1. Tasha Smith

1971: Actress Tasha Smith was born on this day in Camden, New Jersey.

2. Hattie McDaniel

1940: Actress Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American to win an Academy Award. She won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role of Mammy in Gone with the Wind on this day. (1940 was a leap year and the Academy Awards were held on February 29th) (Photo: NewsOne)

3. Native Son

1940: Native Son by Richard Wright was published.

4. Ollie Matson

1959: NFL trade: The Chicago Cardinals traded Ollie Matson to LA Rams for 9 players. When he retired in 1966, his career all-purpose yards were second only to Jim Brown. Matson was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

5. Rae Dawn Chong

1961: Actress Rae Dawn Chong was born.

6. Natalie Cole

1976: Natalie Cole took home Grammy Awards for ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female’ for the song ‘This Will Be’ on this day at the 18th Annual Grammy Awards Show.